aircraft deliveries

India is set to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France in a significant government-to-government deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore. While 18 will be fly-away, 96 will be manufactured in India. This acquisition aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's depleted squadron strength, though indigenous programs like Tejas Mk2 and AMCA are crucial for long-term security against evolving threats.

India's air defence capabilities have been significantly bolstered by the S-400 system, a formidable shield against aerial threats. Its advanced radar and missile technology allows for the interception of aircraft and ballistic missiles at extreme ranges, far surpassing Western counterparts. This strategic asset provides crucial coverage against regional adversaries, enhancing national security.

India has received its fourth S-400 air defence squadron from Russia, significantly bolstering its long-range aerial defence. This delivery, part of a larger 2018 deal, follows earlier squadrons and is set for rapid deployment. The system has proven effective, notably during Operation Sindoor, and is integrating into India's broader 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence network alongside indigenous projects like Kusha.

In an exclusive interview, Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube clears the air on a range of issues including fleet expansion, the West Asia crisis, rising costs due to crude-oil related upheaval, availing Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme of the government, and more

Armenia is bolstering its defence with India, seeking robust military hardware and training to counter threats from Azerbaijan, which is supported by Pakistan and Turkey. Recent high-level visits and significant arms deals, including Akash missile systems, highlight New Delhi's growing role as Armenia's key strategic partner in the South Caucasus.

Ukraine has received a new IRIS-T air defence launcher from Germany, bolstering its defenses against Russian missile and drone strikes. This latest delivery adds to previous transfers of the German-made medium-range surface-to-air missile system, which is crucial for protecting cities and infrastructure.

American Airlines is equipping over 500 narrowbody aircraft with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet, aiming to provide passengers with high-speed Wi-Fi by early 2027. This upgrade will support streaming, gaming, and video meetings, enhancing the in-flight experience for domestic and short-haul international routes.

Seventeen officers completed a 48-week training program at the Air Force Test Pilots School. The graduating batch included personnel from the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh presented awards to outstanding performers. The officers will now join the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment.

India's ambitious Marut supersonic fighter, designed by Kurt Tank, faced early setbacks due to underfunded engines, limiting its performance. Despite this, it proved effective in the 1971 war, destroying enemy tanks. Bureaucratic indecision ultimately doomed upgrades, mirroring current challenges with the Tejas program's engine development and integration, highlighting a recurring theme in India's aviation history.

Russia's S-400 missile defense system deliveries to India are proceeding as scheduled, bolstering New Delhi's aerial shield with an additional squadron. This advanced system, a key component of India's air defense, is recognized for its precision and lethal accuracy in engaging various aerial threats.

Delhi Airport's 1986-era Terminal 2 is slated for abandonment by 2033 as the GMR-run DIAL plans to expand the mammoth Terminal 3. A new fifth pier, Pier E, with a capacity of 1.2 crore passengers annually, will absorb T2's domestic traffic. The timing of Pier E's construction and an automated people mover are central to the new master plan.

An impromptu demonstration by AIASL ground handling staff at Mumbai airport caused significant disruptions, delaying 31 departures and impacting baggage handling for numerous flights. The protest, organized by ABKKS, demanded better employment terms, including permanent status for contract workers and pending wage revisions. Management agreed to address the demands following the agitation.

India and Pakistan possess nearly identical nuclear arsenals, yet their doctrines diverge significantly. India adheres to 'No First Use' and aims for a minimum deterrent, while Pakistan's 'Full Spectrum Deterrence' counters India's conventional strength. India is expanding its nuclear triad, focusing on survivability and reach, while Pakistan emphasises tactical nuclear weapons and flexible options, raising escalation risks.

India's indigenous C-295 transport aircraft assembly is ahead of schedule, with the first India-built plane spotted at Tata's Vadodara plant. This marks a significant step in replacing aging IAF fleets, with further orders expected for the Navy and Coast Guard, bolstering India's defense manufacturing capabilities.

National Technology Day in India is a tribute to the groundbreaking 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, symbolizing the nation's incredible journey in technological innovation. With a sophisticated nuclear triad now established, India stands tall with 172 warheads managed by the Strategic Forces Command, integrating air, land, and sea capabilities for unmatched security against any adversarial threats.

A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank off Spain after explosions on December 23, 2024, carrying suspected nuclear reactor components possibly for North Korea. The vessel, previously used in Syria, experienced multiple blasts, leading to its sinking and the death of two crew members. A Russian military ship later fired flares over the area, followed by more explosions.

Pakistan's Fatah-3 missile test sparks debate, potentially challenging India's BrahMos dominance in precision strikes. Analysts question if it's a Pakistani leap or Chinese hardware, highlighting China's growing military influence. Operation Sindoor showcased India's advanced capabilities, underscoring the importance of integrated systems beyond just missile technology.

With IndiGo’s operational collapse in December, Air India’s fatal crash in Ahmedabad and SpiceJet’s engineering and salary-payment issues, US aviation regulator FAA has once again become concerned about oversight standards in Indian aviation.

AirAsia is set to revolutionize its fleet with a massive order of 150 Airbus A220-300 jets, valued at $19 billion. This strategic move aims to modernize operations, combat rising fuel costs, and expand into new markets. The fuel-efficient A220s will enhance efficiency and profitability, marking a significant step in the airline's ambitious growth plans.

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

While the US and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran, China quietly leveraged the situation to expand its influence. By positioning itself as a diplomatic alternative and stabilizing energy supplies, Beijing benefited from a weakened American strategic position and growing uncertainty about US reliability among allies.

India is significantly boosting defence spending and prioritizing domestic production, aiming for self-reliance and export growth. New policies like 'Make in India' and DAP 2020 are reshaping procurement, encouraging local manufacturing and foreign collaboration. Despite global supply chain challenges, indigenous production and exports are rising, signaling a strategic shift towards greater defence capability and autonomy.

By mid-2026, Russia's Ukraine invasion has transformed into a grinding conflict. Ukraine's successful drone warfare and long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure are reshaping the battlefield. Russia, adapting with infiltration tactics and glide bombs, faces a new, industrialized war of attrition. European aid bolsters Ukraine's defense, while diplomatic progress remains stalled.

President Trump's evolving stance on Taiwan ahead of his summit with Xi Jinping sparks concern. Despite a large arms sale, Trump has questioned Taiwan's role in semiconductor business and sought payment for protection. Analysts fear Taiwan could be a bargaining chip, though US officials maintain policy remains unchanged.

India's recent MIRV-equipped Agni missile test propels its strategic program into global focus. This advancement, a culmination of decades of indigenous development, significantly bolsters India's nuclear deterrence, ensuring survivability and credible retaliation against evolving threats. The Agni series now forms a crucial pillar of India's nuclear triad, reflecting its growing technological prowess and geopolitical ambitions.